Can Dogs Have Popcorn?

Yes! Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals that are important to canine nutrition, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins. 

Plain, air-popped popcorn makes a nice, occasional treat for your dog.

Is Eating Popcorn Safe for Dogs?

Popcorn popped in oil or topped with butter, salt, and other flavorings are not safe for your dog on a regular basis (although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them).

It can lead to intestinal upset in dogs, contribute to obesity and obesity-related health problems.

Just as as cautionary note, closely watch so that kernels don't get stuck in your dog's teeth and pose a choking hazard. Also keep partially popped kernels or whole kernels that are too large for your dog to swallow, away from curious dogs.

As with any treat, too much popcorn is not good for your dog, and it is important to keep treats down to approximately 10% or less of a dog’s daily caloric intake. 

• The Fats and Oils can cause obesity if consumed too often or in large amounts. Obesity can lead to heart problems, arthritis,  and kidney disease. They can also cause gastrointestinal upsets like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.
  
• The Sodium in popcorn can lead to dehydration, salt toxicity, or ion poisoning, all very serious issues for dogs that require immediate veterinary care.
  
• Kettle Corn or Caramel Corn have added sugars. These are especially bad for diabetic or overweight dogs.
  
• Peanut Butter added to popcorn can also be hazardous if it contains the artificial sweetener Xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
  
• Unpopped Popcorn Kernels can lead to many issues for dogs. They are not easily digested, so can cause blockages or have difficulty moving through the digestive system.
  
• Popcorn Kernel Hulls are also an issue. When humans eat popcorn, the hulls can get lodged between our teeth or gums and be uncomfortable. Dogs have the same problems with them. We can use dental floss and brush or rinse the hulls out – dogs can’t. This can lead to the same feeling of discomfort, and cause tooth decay, gum disease like gingivitis, or even dental disease.
  
• The Shape of popped corn can be a choking hazard. If you, like so many dog parents, toss pieces of popcorn to your eager pooch, the morsels can land badly, choking your dog or making it difficult to swallow and cause choking. 

3 BIG REASONS WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS

#1 - It's Good For Them

The Healthiest Corn We start with kernels that are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Kosher. Then we air pop it to tender perfection, making it lighter, fluffier and lower in fat and calories without any oils. There's nothing at all added. Just clean and pure the way nature intended it. It's similar in this way to our 'Completely Naked Organic Popcorn'.

It's Safer Not only is our Popcorn For Dogs organic, plain, and air popped, but we also use a type of popcorn called, hulless. It has smaller, more tender kernels, making it a smart choice for a dog snack. The name 'hulless' is a bit misleading because it still contains a hull. When popped, the hull is smaller, tenderer, breaks up into smaller pieces, and is less noticeable and is less likely to get into teeth, making is safer for your pet. Popcorn with large hulls like the kind found in gourmet or movie theater popcorn could be a potential choking hazard for puppies and small dogs.

#2 - They'll Like It

So just sit back, relax, and let them enjoy this healthy treat that's good enough for even you to sneak a few bites. If you want to add a little bit of flavor to it, this is a good clean slate to start with. Suggestions: Raw Honey, "Bacon Dust" (cooked bacon ground finely), Peanut Butter (make sure it does not include Xylitol as this is not safe for dogs), dry dog food, etc. 

#3 - It's The Cups, Y'all! 

It's fun to keep the cup near you, either in a cup holder, or tucked between the seat cushions, so you can conveniently reach in a pick out a piece at a time to offer to your doggy who is no doubt waiting for the next morsel.

NOTE: It is not recommended that you throw the popcorn in the air for them to catch in their mouth as this could be a choking hazard. Just toss one piece at a time on the ground or nearby where ever they are sitting or laying, so that they can approach it calmly and eat it carefully.

Virtually Unbreakable Cups Constructed of virtually indestructible PET plastic, this large cup is crack resistant and will not break in your hands. They are sturdy, very high-quality and super strong. PET is a recyclable material designed to reduce the amount of waste in landfills. PET has been approved as safe for contact with foodstuffs and beverages by the FDA, Health Canada, the European Food Safety Authority and virtually every other health-safety agency in the world. It has been used for food and beverage containers for decades without any known adverse effects.

Exceptional Clarity The clarity of this crystal clear disposable plastic cup presents an upscale appearance while also providing product visibility. Once the popcorn is gone, wash them out and use over and over again. 

Versatile Height The 7-inch tall design of this 32 oz. plastic cup makes it ideal for holding popcorn, and after it’s gone, a wide variety of drinks such as smoothies, sweet tea, or tall iced coffee. It feels comfortable in your hands, and will become your container of choice. Top diameter 4 1/16 inches. Bottom diameter 2 1/2 inches.